Very Rare Joint Reign Solidus
Justin I & Justinian I. 527. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.49 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 6th officina. Struck 4 April-1 August. D N IVSTIN ЄT IVSTINI PP AVC, Justin and Justinian enthroned facing, both nimbate, both placing right hand on breast and holding globus in left; cross between / VICTORI A AVCCC, Angel standing facing, holding long cross in right hand and globus cruciger in left; star to right; S//CONOB. DOC –; Metcalf,
Joint Group Id, 17 (O8/S4); MIBE 1d; SB 117. Lightly toned, small metal flaw, a few minor marks. EF. Very rare.
Ex Family of Constantine Collection; William H. Williams Collection (Triton VI, 13 January 2003), lot 1196.
Justin was an illiterate peasant from Thrace who acquired the throne through his natural strengths and cunning. Though of little learning himself, he understood the value of education, especially for his relatives. Consequently, his nephew Peter was sent to Constantinople for his education. When Justin became emperor, his nephew was renamed Justinian and served as his trusted advisor. Justinian was the real driving force behind many of the wise policies adopted under the reign of his uncle and his true brilliance would come to light during his future sole reign. When Justin's health began to fail in 527, Justinian was readily accepted as co-emperor and the transition of power was uneventful. The coming change was advertised by an extensive series of joint reign solidi, judging by the number of dies known. Presumably, these pieces were withdrawn from circulation after the accession of Justinian, accounting for their significant rarity today.
